The Problem

The Problem: There is a growing disconnect between youth and the natural world -- Nature Deficit Disorder - resulting in physical, social, emotional and societal problems. A 2010 Kaiser Foundation study found that youth age 8-18 are exposed to an average of 7 ½ hours of screen time per day.[1] This study, along with a growing body of evidence that correlates the growing gap in our connection to nature with a variety of health problems, also suggests that there is a is a solution.

The Solution: Nature and a solid dose of the great outdoors!

Study after study is proving that as we spend time in nature we become happier and healthier. Outdoors Empowered Network is here to break down the barriers to accessing the solution.

Read about how we're seeding and supporting a national network of organizations that are providing training and outdoor gear libraries in their communities.

Photo courtesy of Bay Area Wilderness Training

We're excited to be part of a larger movement to connect young people to nature in a variety of ways. Through education, landscape architecture, urban planning and health, there is a cross-sector, global movement afoot.